PILATES for MEN

If you think Pilates is a ladies workout you are very much mistaken.  The founder of Pilates was a Joseph Pilates who was a competent body builder and boxer. He designed the Pilates method to work with both the male and female body paying particular attention to building muscle and core strength. Whether you are an elite professional sportsman or sedentary office worker just looking to feel better about yourself Pilates is an excellent method to practise.  Pilates concentrates on muscle strength and control, balance, posture, flexibility and injury prevention.

Men too suffer from lower back pain through lifestyle and lack of stretching adding to a weak core, to help battle lower back pain Pilates stretches the hamstrings and hip flexors and the lower abdominals and glutes are activated to support the back through simple moves. Pilates works isolated often forgotten muscles helping build up strength in the body and muscle definition, working muscle groups that help with performance and posture.

With male depression and anxiety on the rise it is important to find a way to relax and calm yourself which also helps lowers your blood pressure and improves you general health. Pilates is excellent for training the mind to focus and relax giving you the chance to recover for all the daily stresses life can bring.

You don’t need to be fit to take part in Pilates and most of the moves are done on the mat with stage by stage instruction with every move, it requires no knowledge of the Pilates method just a little concentration. More and more men are starting to recognise the huge amount of benefit the Pilates can offer them and many fitness professionals like footballer’s and boxers regularly practice Pilates. You don’t have to wear lycra to take part in a class (although you can if your wish!!!), just a comfortable pair of trousers and a t-shirt are just fine.